Ask the Expert: Advanced Care for Women

Advanced Care for Women, founded by Dr. Brian Josephs in 2013, offers a variety of services for every stage of life from genetic testing for female cancers and incontinence issues to treatment of high-risk pregnancies, vaginal birth after C-section and in-office 3D/4D ultrasonography. They even have an in-office solution for treatment of heavy periods.

With a range of on-site and minimally invasive methods, Advanced Care for Women's goal is to correct existing issues with little disruption to the patient's life. Their hope is that, when you leave their office, you will have complete comfort not only with your care, but with your physician and staff. Advanced Care for Women's slogan is, "Returning medicine back to the days of old where you are not just a number but a voice." They aspire to create a care plan to help you live a better, happier and healthier life.

Dr. Brian Josephs sat down with us to discuss Advanced Care for Women and women's health issues.

Advanced Care for Women's slogan is, "Returning Medicine back to the days where you are not just a number but a voice." What does that mean to you?In today's world of complete hustle and bustle, it seems that health care has taken that same approach. You go to offices and the waiting room is overflowing with people. The wait is forever before you get seen. The modern approach to health care is about quantity and not quality. Here at Advanced Care for Women, we don't believe in that mentality. Our goal is to never have you feel like you are just another patient. We strive to address all needs and have you leave satisfied after every visit.

How many doctors are at Advanced Care for Women?I am currently the only doctor.

At what age should my daughter start getting pap smears?The current recommendation from the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology is that young women start getting pap tests starting at age 21.

When should I start doing breast self-exams?Breast self-exams should start at the same age as pap tests, age 21. Theoretically, that is after puberty and breast development has been completed.

Who should get tested for genetic female cancers?Females with more than one relative with breast cancer, a male in the family who had breast cancer, or high occurrences of ovarian, uterine, colon, pancreatic and prostate cancers.

What is that process like?It is a simple lab in which we draw your blood.

If I find a lump in my breast, what should my next step be?Call your gynecologist for an appointment to evaluate that lump. It can be many things, some of which are nothing at all to worry about, and others are cause for worry. For that reason, it is important for the lump to be evaluated. Aside from an exam from a doctor, there are certain tests that may be ordered to help in the diagnostic process.

What is Advanced Care for Women's in office solution for treatment of heavy periods?Our in-office solution is a procedure called a uterine ablation; it either reduces periods or stops them altogether.

Would it be safe for teenagers?This procedure is meant for women who have completed all of their childbearing.

Is Advanced Care for Women VBAC (vaginal birth after c-section) friendly? Who would be a good candidate for a VBAC?We definitely do support women who would like a Trial of Labor after C-section (TOLAC). Women who make the best candidates for a TOLAC are ones who have had a vaginal birth prior. Other factors greatly depend on the reason for the previous C-section, and the size of the baby.

Do you have a perinatologist at the office?The perinatology office is conveniently located right next door to our office.

At how many weeks can an ultrasound technician determine the sex of a baby?Depending on the position of the baby, one should be able to tell between 14-16 weeks at the earliest.

When is the best time to schedule a 3D/4D ultrasound?The best time to schedule a 3D/4D ultrasound is between 26-36 weeks gestation.

Advanced Care for Women offers services at their Spotsylvania office. To make an appointment, please call (888) 956-5257 or (540) 710-1700. For more information, visit www.acwva.net, or e-mail info (at) acwva.net.

Prior to forming his practice, Dr. Josephs attended the University of Florida for his undergraduate degree and received his medical degree from Meharry Medical College in 2005. Dr. Brian Josephs has practiced in the area for several years, and mentors other area physicians. Dr. Josephs is board certified. He enjoys solving problems to help his patients live a healthy life and help bring new life into this world. Dr Josephs is from Queens, New York, and he and his family consider Fredericksburg home.

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